The 2025 NBA Draft delivered its usual quota of jubilation, nervous anticipation, and career-defining moments. Yet, few stories captivated the basketball world quite like that of Yang Hansen, the prodigious Chinese center whose selection at No. 16 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies (and swift trade to the Portland Trail Blazers) was as surprising to the man himself as it was to onlookers. His draft night tale? It involved comfort food and a distinct lack of formal attire.
The Shock of the Unprepared
Imagine the scene: a life-altering announcement, the culmination of years of relentless training, unfolding not amidst a flurry of cameras and tailored suits, but while one is mid-meal. “For sure it was a big shock for me,” Yang recounted through an interpreter during an interview, a candid admission that instantly endeared him to fans. “When Adam Silver called my name, it surprised me. I was just sitting there finishing my fried chicken. I didn`t even put my suit on. Suddenly they told me, `Hansen, Hansen, put your suit on.`”
This delightful anecdote underscores the sheer unexpectedness of his early selection. Most draft prospects prepare meticulously for their moment in the spotlight, suits pressed and speeches rehearsed. Yang Hansen, however, was immersed in a more primal ritual: the consumption of fried chicken. It was a perfectly human moment, far removed from the polished veneer of professional sports, yet it launched his NBA journey.
A New Chapter in Portland
Initially announced as a Memphis Grizzlies pick, Yang’s stay in Tennessee was brief, a mere formality before a trade sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers. In exchange for the No. 11 overall selection, Cedric Coward, and a future pick, Portland secured a player who is already turning heads. This strategic move by the Blazers signals a clear intent to build for the future, with Yang Hansen positioned as a potentially cornerstone piece.
Humility Meets Hunger: Yang`s On-Court Philosophy
Despite the whirlwind start, Yang Hansen projects a remarkable sense of groundedness. When pressed on his ambitions, his response was devoid of bravado. “To be honest, I can`t say anything big,” he stated, a refreshing departure from the usual pronouncements of impending superstardom. Instead, his focus remains singularly on the fundamentals. “If [head coach Chauncey Billups] uses me in the game, I will treasure every minute I have. I just try to do my job well, I focus on my own game. For the long term, I just want to become a versatile player. Try to help my team as much as I can.”
This pragmatic approach, combined with a terse but telling declaration — “I want the smoke” — during a photoshoot, reveals a player who is both humble in his expectations and fiercely determined in his competitive spirit. He isn`t seeking the limelight for its own sake but is ready to embrace the challenges and intensity that come with professional basketball.
Early Glimpses of Potential: Summer League Standout
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding – or, in this case, on the hardwood. Yang Hansen’s early performances in the Summer League in Las Vegas have been more than just promising; they’ve been a revelation. Averaging 11.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game, his stat line hints at a well-rounded skill set that belies his rookie status. His passing vision, particularly for a player of his size, has drawn significant attention, suggesting an ability to impact the game beyond just scoring and rebounding.
The Road Ahead
From a surprise draft pick enjoying fried chicken to a burgeoning talent showcasing versatility, Yang Hansen’s entry into the NBA has been anything but conventional. His unique story, coupled with his demonstrable skills and admirable work ethic, positions him as one of the most intriguing prospects from the 2025 class. The Portland Trail Blazers may well have secured a hidden gem, a player whose unassuming demeanor off the court contrasts sharply with his burgeoning impact on it. Basketball fans globally will undoubtedly be watching to see how this unexpected journey unfolds.
Jasper Hawthorne